ISAAA Inc. Joins National Biotechnology Week in the Philippines

Lowering the price of rice in the Philippines is not impossible with the use of biotechnology and the collaboration of multiple government agencies and state universities. The country must leverage the use of biotechnology as a key tool for development. These messages were delivered by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Shirley Agrupis during the opening ceremonies of the 20th National Biotechnology Week (NBW) of the Philippines held on November 25, 2024 at Copeland Gym, University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB).

The annual event follows the Presidential Proclamation No. 1414 s. 2007, to promote safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of the several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health services, a sustainable and safe environment, and industry development. This year's NBW celebration, running from November 25 to 29, is chaired by CHED, in partnership with UPLB.

Following the theme #experienceBIOTECH: Expand the Future of Biotechnology through Education, Innovation, and Commercialization, the NBW program includes new experiential activities such as the Biotechnology Fiesta, which is an interactive guided/self-guided tour for participants to different research centers in UPLB's Science and Technology Park.  The week-long exhibition showcases biotech products, research efforts, and engagement activities in the Philippines.

ISAAA Inc. is an exhibitor at the NBW, presenting the latest biotech communication modalities co-developed with the Department of Agriculture and other partners. Hundreds of visitors, mostly students, participate in the game Battle of Biotech Brains, which tests the visitors' knowledge of basic biotechnology trivia. Winners get to take home ISAAA Inc. merchandise and publications.

For more information, send an email to knowledge.center@isaaa.org.